Sidi Kaouki Gardens

Just 150m from the beach, this oasis of calm boasts two double bedrooms with shared guest bathroom. Kaouki Gardens is based on a traditional Moroccan riad with a French twist. Enjoy the private garden in the sun! Essaouira airport is only 15 minutes away with flights to Paris, Casablanca & Bordeaux. From 29Oct flights begin to London, Lyons, Brussels & Marseille. The many village cafes range from an excellent 4dh bowl of harira to licensed Mouette's French haute cuisine. Prime location and best local garden. The whole house is available to you, apart from the owner's bedroom and ensuite bathroom. The British-born owner, can give you a tour of the local facilities and Essaouira during your stay or leave you in peace - up to you! Local expertise can provide in-house Moroccan meals with appropriate notice. Essaouira is a UNESCO World Heritage site - and justifiably so. The souks are extensive with arguably the least 'pushy' vendors in all Morocco. Essaouira was Morocco's principle port for centuries until Casablanca's deep sea port was established in early 20thC. Essaouira plied its trade with UK's Liverpool bringing rare spices, preserved fruits and artifacts to England's wealthy. It also had a bustling slave market, now populated by upmarket open cafes. In Shakespeare's time, slavers [Barbary Pirates] even 'obtained stock' from southern Ireland, Devon, Cornwall and the north-west of France. Return to Kaouki for a rest to mull over all that history! Kaouki also has its own history, too: 'Mr Kaouki' was a teacher-guru of Islam, mystic, astronomer and healer. He and his followers lived in the Marabout, built from the ruins of a defensive castle set precariously at the sea's edge, and which now contains his mausoleum. Strictly speaking, the building should be referred to as a Koubba or Koubbèh - from the Arabic for dome or copula. Marabout, from the Arabic 'marabath', means related to God and refers to the saint himself. The confusion of names stems from French colonial times. As a rite of passage, children are brought to the Marabout for their first haircut. Moroccans, it is said, come from far and wide to circle the Marabout, leave a sweet offering at his tomb, light a candle and beseech the saint's help in becoming pregnant! The owner has a car and can pick you up/drop you off at Essaouira airport. Shared taxis are available for trips to Essaouira, about 25 minutes away. Or there are buses and navettes. On the beach there are camels and horses available for short or longer expeditions! Sidi Kaouki is fast becoming one of the most popular surf and wind surfing destinations in Morocco. There are a number of surf spots including beach breaks and reef breaks that produce punchy peaks and nice shaped waves. It is also a great spot for kite surfing as the wind is stronger than some other nearby spots including Essaouira. [Wiki] All surf equipment is readily available to hire as are instructors for all ranges of experience. A 2-man kayak with life vests is also available for calmer sea days. Horse [bring your own helmet] and camel riding can be arranged - with a scenic BBQ destination if desired. The surrounding countryside and extensive beaches make Sidi Kaouki a wonderful centre for walking and cycling. Guides can be arranged. The spring flora is fascinating and abundant. Fishing trips, rod & line or net fishing is available. Catch an octopus for your very own tajine supper. Expertise is on hand - for catching and cooking!